Temporary Materials Research Technician
About The Position
Luna Labs is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Temporary Research Technician for its Materials Group. The role provides hands-on support for research and development involving advanced materials, coatings, and sealants, including corrosion-resistant and multifunctional protective coatings, polymeric sealants and advanced composites, inorganic ceramic materials, and electromagnetic signature control materials. The technician will support active funded programs and exploratory R&D, with opportunities to participate in technology development, experimental design, and laboratory execution. The position is an initial 90-day assignment, with potential for extension or conversion to a full-time permanent role based on performance and funding. It is based on-site in Charlottesville, Virginia, with duties occasionally completed remotely using secure company equipment and software at the supervisor’s discretion. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 40 hours per week. This is a non-exempt, hourly role paying $19.00 to $26.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Requirements
- Proven experience working in a hands-on laboratory research environment.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to federal government contracting regulations.
- Ability to manage time and support multiple disparate projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, excellent interpersonal communication, and solid technical writing skills.
- Availability to work full business hours on-site for an initial minimum duration of 90 days.
- Ability to stand for multi-hour periods during experimental runs, perform fine-motor laboratory procedures, and occasionally lift or move equipment or materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to follow environmental health and safety guidelines and wear standard PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, lab coats, and respirators when needed.
Nice To Haves
- B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related scientific discipline.
- Familiarity with characterization techniques for polymers, ceramics, or functional coatings.
Responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory procedures, including thermal, physical, and analytical characterization and testing of materials.
- Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory instrumentation to support reliable performance and data quality.
- Support early-stage product development by sourcing materials and equipment, conducting literature reviews, and assembling prototype systems.
- Accurately record, manage, summarize, and interpret experimental results.
- Maintain detailed, real-time laboratory documentation using physical notebooks and electronic tools such as Microsoft OneNote.
- Prepare clear, concise technical summaries that include analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
- Balance priorities across multiple concurrent R&D projects.
- Accurately track and log project hours in the company time-tracking system.
- Adhere to and promote laboratory safety protocols, chemical hygiene, and industry best practices.
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